Alpha Rayne stood at the head, her arms folded tightly across her chest, her gaze fixed on Garran.
She blinked, straightening. “A visitor? Who?”
He shifted awkwardly. “He says his name is Jace Moren.”
The world stilled.
Rayne’s entire frame tensed. The name felt like a scar reopened. Memories she’d worked years to bury came rushing back—of stolen moments in candle-lit dorm rooms, whispered dreams of freedom and leadership, a promise made under the moon… and a betrayal that had nearly destroyed her.
“No,” she said flatly. “Tell him to leave.”
Garran hesitated. “Alpha… he looks half-dead. Starved, bruised. He came alone. He’s not armed.”
Rayne’s eyes narrowed. “He still betrayed me.”
“I know,” Garran said quietly. “But… you might want to see this for yourself.”
---
Rayne waited in
